AN EXCHANGE WITH GRETA MASSETTI, PhD. , AUTHOR OF THE CDC MMWR ARTICLE: Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Individual Persons, Communities, and Health Care Systems....
The Spin Goes On
In yesterday’s Newsletter I explained how CDC continues to mislead the People of the Nation about COVID-19 and about how they continue to insist that you can protect yourself using the N-95 respirator. In occupational safety and health practice there is an hierarchy of respiratory protective devices. The surgical mask is not a part of the hierarchy and as we have sadly learned, it offered no protection against SARS-CoV-2. CDC has now shifted gears and is insisting that:
”Persons at high risk for severe illness should wear a mask or respirator (N95/KN95) that provides more protection indoors in public at medium and high COVID-19 community levels
All persons should wear well-fitting masks or respirators indoors in public at high COVID-19 Community Levels†”
Here is the footnote:
“† Although all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitting respirators provide the highest level of protection. Persons may consider the situation and other factors when choosing a mask or respirator that offers greater protection. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html#DifferentSituations”
That link takes you to the page: Types of Masks and Respirators. The first major heading on that page is: Key Messages. The third bullet is this:
”Masks and respirators are effective at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, when worn consistently and correctly.”
We all know that this is simply not true.
But there is a larger problem here. CDC fails to tell you that the use of an N-95 respirator is governed by federal law at 29CFR1910.134 which requires a respiratory protection program part of which is fitting the respirator to the wearer to ensure a proper face seal. Part of the fitting process requires that ALL FACIAL HAIR BE REMOVED.
And this is what 3M, the primary manufacture of the N-95 has to say about using the N-95 for protection against individual virus particles:
”Important information
Legal Disclaimer
DIY/Home Use: Use ONLY in NON-HARMFUL environments. Occupational/Hazardous Use: Use under a regulated government (e.g. OSHA) respiratory protection program. WARNING: Limitations apply; Misuse may result in sickness or death. See product packaging and insert or call 3M in USA at 1-800-243-4630. In Canada, call 1-800-267-4414.”(emphasis added)
Why would 3M add that disclaimer? Here’s why. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a particle size of 50 - 140 nM. The N-95 has a filtration efficiency of 95% of particles that on average are about 300 nM in size.
To summarize; CDC is directing Americans to wear the N-95 respirator which is intended for industrial use and certain home uses by a person trained to don it and and ensure a proper fit but they don’t tell you that it does not protect against individual virus particles or that you have to change it each time it becomes contaminated with ANYTHING or at least once a day or that facial hair prevents a proper seal.
I wrote to Dr. Massetti who is a part of CDC’s Field Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Division of Violence Prevention. Here is the exchange:
From:
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2022 7:41 AM
To: Massetti, Greta M. (CDC/DDNID/NCIPC/DVP) <ghz6@cdc.gov>
Subject: The N-95
Dr. Massetti:
The MMWR article published August 11, 2022 suggests that the N-95 respirator can be used to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 but fails to note that the use of the N-95 is governed by 29 CFR 1910.134. It also fails to note that a tight fit can only be acquired if the wearer has no facial hair.
CDC has an obligation to convey that information.
Lawrence Mazzuckelli CDR, US PHS (Ret)
And my Response:
I didn’t expect Dr. Massetti to offer a response and she hasn’t. Here’s Larry’s second rule of public health communication: NEVER be evasive and rely on the party line when you’re in over your head. Dr. Massetti clearly has no understanding of respiratory protection principles and practices. But that’s OK. She had an out. She had an opportunity to consult with people who do understand respiratory protection and to convince CDC to adopt a policy that tells the truth. She could have said: Thank you for your interest and comments which will be consider in light of your concerns. Period. Done. Out.
But she didn’t. The agency is once again exposed.
Union, KY
13 August 2022.
We've been in a pandemic for almost 2 and a half years. People who aren't aware of the mask usage elements you mention at this point are willfully ignoring that information which has been put out there because they don't believe it's important to wear a mask to protect others. Also - have you considered that professionals like Dr Massetti have long ago learned to identify blatant trolls and deliberately choose not to engage? I suspect you would have picked apart any response offered.